However as we mentioned earlier on the subject of biological growth populations, this does not mean that one could not improve a chronology by reducing the number of series used if the purpose of removing samples is to enhance a desired signal. The ability to pick and choose which samples to use is an advantage unique to dendroclimatology.

Mann claims to have hundreds of proxies but in the recent period he has only 55 with values. These are chosen with an unknown criteria. The remaining proxies are given values that are just weighted values of the chosen 55. So in reality, his hickey stick is the outcome of a specifically chosen set of 55 proxies.

The hockey stick is not the result of a measurement but of a method of construction.

Mann claims to have hundreds of proxies but in the recent period he has only 55 with values. These are chosen with an unknown criteria. The remaining proxies are given values that are just weighted values of the chosen 55. So in reality, his hockey stick is the outcome of a specifically chosen set of 55 proxies.

The hockey stick is not the result of a measurement but of a method of construction.

As I understand it, all of the above are true. In addition, he splices the temperature record on, and then uses non-published statistical methods to process them.

#(. I’ve sent a message to them urging them to correct this right away. I try to maintain a tone of irony rather than accusation and not to speculate on motives. Whether something was done intentionally or just because of goofiness is immaterial to the existence of an error. No one is ever going to be able to find out whether something was done intentionally or not. So it is a waste of breath and energy making such accusations. All that is relevant is whether the method is erroneous. People can draw their own conclusions. I’ve emailed them, suggesting that they restrain their language.